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Brazil becomes first 4th gen plus jet operator in South America

21st December 2022 - 12:00 GMT | by Norbert Neumann in London

RSS

The Gripen procurement is part of the FAB’s FX-2 programme and was initiated during the newly elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s previous administration. (Photo: Saab)

Brazil became the first South American country to operate a fourth-generation-plus advanced combat jet by inaugurating its first Gripens.

The Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) First Air Defense Group (1^st GDA) has begun operational activities of the first five Gripen E fighters (referred to as Gripen F-39 in Brazil).

This makes Brazil the first country in South America to operate a fourth-generation-plus advanced combat aircraft. Brazil is also the only country to operate the E variant of the Gripen besides Sweden.

The commencement of operational activities was preceded by a flight test phase that started in September 2020 with the arrival of a test aircraft in Brazil. The flight test phase was conducted at the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC) located at the

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